Portable table suspended from a vertical support

ABSTRACT

The present invention discloses a portable table suspended from a vertical support. The portable table includes a platform having an engagement region. The engagement region removeably connects the platform with the vertical support at a first height. The portable table also includes a mounting support removeably secured to the vertical support at a second height above the first height. Still further, the portable table also includes a plurality of hanging supports. Each hanging support removeably connects the platform to the mounting support.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to the field of portable tables suspendedfrom a vertical support.

BACKGROUND ART

Not applicable.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Not applicable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate an implementation of apparatusconsistent with the present invention and, together with the detaileddescription, serve to explain advantages and principles consistent withthe invention. In the drawings,

FIG. 1 sets forth a drawing illustrating a perspective view of aportable table suspended from a vertical support according toembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 sets forth a drawing illustrating a left orthogonal view of theportable table suspended from a vertical support according toembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 sets forth a drawing illustrating a perspective view of aportable table affixed to a vertical support and suspended from anoverhead structure according to embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4 sets forth a drawing illustrating a left orthogonal view of theportable table affixed to the vertical support and suspended from anoverhead structure according to embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 5 sets forth a drawing illustrating a cutaway of Section A in FIG.4.

FIGS. 6A and 6B set forth drawings illustrating a front and back view,respectively of an exemplary mounting support useful in portable tablessuspended from a vertical support according to embodiments of thepresent invention.

FIG. 7 sets forth a drawing illustrating exemplary hanging supportsuseful in portable tables suspended from a vertical support according toembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 8 sets forth a drawing illustrating exemplary hanging supportsuseful in portable tables suspended from a vertical support according toembodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 9A and 9B set forth drawings illustrating a front and back view,respectively of an exemplary fastener useful in portable tablessuspended from a vertical support according to embodiments of thepresent invention.

FIGS. 10A-D set forth drawings illustrating top orthogonal views ofexemplary engagement regions of platforms useful in portable tablesaccording to embodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 11A-F set forth drawings illustrating top orthogonal views ofexemplary platforms useful in portable tables according to embodimentsof the present invention.

FIGS. 12A-D set forth drawings illustrating perspective views of aportable table (1200) according to embodiments of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Exemplary embodiments of portable tables suspended from a verticalsupport are described herein with reference to the accompanyingdrawings, beginning with FIG. 1. FIG. 1 sets forth a drawingillustrating a perspective view of a portable table (100) suspended froma vertical support (102) according to embodiments of the presentinvention. The vertical support (102) of FIG. 1 is a round pole thatsupports the portable table (100). The use of a round pole in theexample of FIG. 1 is for explanation only and not for limitation.Vertical supports useful in portable tables according to embodiments ofthe present invention may include any vertical structures as will occurto those of ordinary skill in the art, including for example poles,posts, or trees. Further, vertical supports useful in portable tablesaccording to embodiments of the present invention may be any shape aswill occur to those of skill in the art, including for example round,square, rectangular, triangular, elliptical, or a combination thereof.

The portable table (100) of FIG. 1 includes a platform (104). Theplatform (104) of FIG. 1 is a panel that provides a substantially flatwork or storage surface. Although the platform (104) of FIG. 1 issubstantially flat, the platform (104) may include one or more ridgesfor enhancing the structural integrity of the platform (104). Suchridges may be formed along the perimeter of the platform (104) or alongthe interior portion of platform (104). The pattern formed by the ridgesmay vary from one embodiment to another.

Typically, the ridges would be formed along the bottom surface of theplatform (104), but ridges may also be formed along the top surface ofthe platform (104). Ridges formed along the edges of the top surface ofthe platform (104) would provide a containment barrier that wouldprevent items resting along the top of the platform (104) from fallingoff the edges. Similarly, such ridges would form a “lip” and serve tocontain the spills of certain quantities of liquids in containers storedon the platform (104). In some other embodiments, it may be desirablethat the liquids drain off of the top surface of the platform, and theridges along the perimeter of the top surface therefore could have slotsthat would allow such liquids to drain off of the platform. Tofacilitate stacking the portable tables, one on top of another, theouter perimeter along the bottom surface may be configured with a“reverse lip” that corresponds with the “lip” along the outer perimeterof the top surface. In this manner, the “lip” along the perimeter of thetop surface of one portable table may fit the “reverse lip” along theperimeter of the bottom surface of a portable table stacked on top of itto improve the stability of a stack of portable tables.

In the example of FIG. 1, the platform (104) has an engagement region(106) that removeably connects the platform (104) with the verticalsupport (102) at a first height. This first height could be any heightat which the platform (104) is useful to a user, which may vary fromuser to user and application to application. The engagement region (106)of FIG. 1 connects the platform (104) to the vertical support (102) byproviding an interface at the edge of the platform (104) against whichthe vertical support (102) may rest. While the engagement region (106)may be formed using any number of geometric configurations, theengagement region (106) of FIG. 1 includes a universal slot for allowingthe platform to connect with vertical supports having a plurality ofdifferent shapes and a plurality of different sizes. Various shapes andsizes of the engagement region (106) are discussed in more detail withreference to FIGS. 10A-D.

The portable table (100) of FIG. 1 includes a mounting support (108)removeably secured to the vertical support (102) at a second heightabove the first height. The mounting support (108) of FIG. 1 is astructure that attaches to the vertical support (102) to provide a placeto connect hanging supports (110), which in turn provide verticalsupport for the platform (104). The second height at which mountingsupport (108) of FIG. 1 is placed will depend on the weight of theplatform (104) and the load that the platform (104) supports. Generally,the lower the mounting support (108) is placed, the greater the forcethat the hanging supports (110) must withstand; the higher the mountingsupport (108) is placed, the less the force that the hanging supports(110) must withstand.

In the example of FIG. 1, the mounting support (108) is implemented as astrap having a hook-and-loop fastener such as, for example, Velcro®.Essentially, one end of the mounting support (108) is configured withthe hooks of a hook-and-loop fastener, while the remaining portion, orat least other end, of the mounting support (108) is configured with theloops of a hook-and-loop fastener, typically on the side of the mountingsupport (108) opposite of the hooks. The mounting support (108) of FIG.1 wraps around the entire circumference of the vertical support (102) toallow the hooks of the fastener to mate with the loops of the fastenerand hold the mounting support (108) in place around the vertical support(102). Implementing the mounting support (108) of FIG. 1 with ahook-and-loop fastener is for explanation only and not for limitation.In other embodiments of the present invention, a mounting support may beimplemented as a strap with a ratchet that is used to tighten and holdthe strap in place around a vertical support.

To aid a user in placing the mounting support (108) on the verticalsupport (102), a portion of the mounting support (108) may have anadhesive to initially hold the strap on the vertical support (102). Suchan adhesive would typically be implemented using a low-tack, reusablepressure sensitive adhesive (or “re-adherable adhesive”). One of skillin the art will recognize that implementing the mounting support as astrap is for explanation only, not for limitation. Mounting supportsuseful in portable tables according to embodiments of the presentinvention may include any structure that attaches to the verticalsupport (102) to provide a place to connect hanging supports (110) aswill occur to those of skill in the art, including for example cords,clamps, plastic films or wraps that may be used to encircle a verticalsupport and hold the weight of the platform and its load as applied bythe hanging supports.

The mounting support (108) of FIG. 1 includes a mounting attachment(112) to which the hanging supports (110) of the portable table (100)connect. The mounting attachment (112) of FIG. 1 may be integrated intothe structure forming the mounting support (108) or be implemented as aseparate component. In the example of FIG. 1, the mounting attachment(112) is implemented as a loop that is a separate component from thestrap forming the mounting support (108). In other embodiments, however,the loop may be integrated into the strap forming the mounting support(108). In FIG. 1, the strap forming part of the mounting support (108)passes through the loop forming the mounting attachment (112). Thehanging supports also pass through the loop forming the mountingattachment (112) of FIG. 1. In this manner, the mounting attachment(112) of FIG. 1 provides a point at which the hanging supports (110) mayremoveably connect to the mounting support (108). While the mountingattachment (112) of FIG. 1 is implemented as a loop, one of skill in theart will recognize that the mounting attachment may be implemented usingother structures such as a hook attached to the strap forming part ofthe mounting support (108). In other embodiments, the hanging supports(110) may removeably connect directly to the strap forming the mountingsupport (108) by passing through a space between the strap and thevertical support (102).

In the example of FIG. 1, the portable table (100) includes a pluralityof hanging supports (110 a-c). Each hanging support (110) in FIG. 1 is athin structure that transfers the weight of the platform (104) and itsload to the mounting support (108). Each hanging support (110) of FIG. 1may be implemented as a cord, strap, rope, telescoping or fixed lengthbrace, or in any other manner as will occur to those of skill in theart. Each hanging support (110) in FIG. 1 removeably connects theplatform (104) to the mounting support (108). That is, at least one endof the hanging support (110) is capable of being disconnected fromeither the platform (104) or the mounting support (108), or both. In theexample of FIG. 1, each hanging support (110) is implemented as a strap.The first end of the strap connects to the platform (104), and thesecond end of the strap has a fastener that connects to the strap toform a loop. The loop formed from the strap connects with the mountingsupport (108). The fastener used in FIG. 1 is a hook that connects backto the strap when the hook is inserted into preconfigured holes alongthe length of the strap.

The hanging supports (110) in the example of FIG. 1 connect to platform(104) in any number of ways as will occur to those of skill in the art.Often the manner in which the hanging supports (110) connect to theplatform (104) will depend on the implementation of the hangingsupports. For example, when the hanging supports are implemented usingstraps, the strap may connect to the platform (104) via a rivet or bolt.Still further, the strap may pass through a hole in the platform andhave an anchor on the other side of the platform that prevents the strapfrom passing back through the hole in the platform (104). When thehanging support is implemented as a cord or rope in an embodiment, thecord or rope may pass through a hole in the platform and have an anchorattached to it or be tied in a knot that prevents the cord or rope frompassing back through the platform. In other embodiments, a rope, cord,or strap could be clamped to the platform (104).

In other embodiments, each hanging support (110) is implemented as abraided rope. The first end of the braided rope connects to the platform(104), and the second end of the braided rope has a hook that puncturesthe rope to form a loop. The loop formed from the braided rope connectswith the mounting support (108). In other embodiments, other fastenersmay be used to connect the braided rope back to itself, thereby forminga loop that connects to the mounting support (108). These fasteners maybe implemented as cable ties, wire ties, quick ties, clamps, a ratchetsystem, or any other fastener as will occur to those of skill in theart.

In the portable table (100) of FIG. 1, there are three hanging supports(110). One of the hanging supports (110 c) connects to the platform(104) adjacent to the engagement region (106) to prevent the platform(104) from sliding down the vertical support (102) under its own weightor when a load is applied. The other two hanging supports (110 a,b)connect to the platform (104) at the corners of the platform (104) toprovide the broadest range of stability with respect to various loaddistributions.

In the example of FIG. 1, the platform (104) includes several hooks(116) along the edges of the platform (104). These hooks (116) of FIG. 1may be used to hang a variety of components associated with the portabletable (100) or other items as will occur to those of skill in the art.For example, one of the hooks (116) may be used to hang a towel,goggles, or keys when the portable table (100) is used near water. Whenusing the portable table (100) as a platform on which to set a portablebarbeque pit at waist level, the hooks (116) may be used to hang thebarbeque equipment lid, cooking utensils, towels or rags as will occurto those of skill in the art. Still further, the hooks (116) may be usedto attach several extensions to the bottom of the portable table (100)that, in turn, connect to another platform beneath the portable table(100). The top of these extensions could be secured to the hooks (116)and extend downward from the platform (104). The bottom of theextensions could secure a platform of similar shape and size as theplatform (104), thereby form a shelf beneath the platform (104). In thismanner, one would be able to daisy-chain two or more platforms togetherto provide several vertically stacked portable shelves.

The portable table (100) in the example of FIG. 1 also includes afastener (not shown in FIG. 1) for removeably securing the platform(104) to the vertical support (102) when connected to prevent theplatform (104) from moving away from the vertical support (102). Forfurther explanation, the fastener is described with reference to FIG. 2.FIG. 2 sets forth a drawing illustrating a left orthogonal view of theportable table (100) suspended from a vertical support (102) accordingto embodiments of the present invention. The portable table (100) ofFIG. 2 is similar to the portable table (100) of FIG. 1 and is comprisedof similar components: a platform (104) having an engagement region(106); the engagement region (106) removeably connecting the platform(104) with the vertical support (102) at a first height; a mountingsupport (108) removeably secured to the vertical support (102) at asecond height above the first height; and a plurality of hangingsupports (110) such that each hanging support (110) removeably connectsthe platform (104) to the mounting support (108).

The portable table (100) of FIG. 2 also includes a fastener (114) forremoveably securing the platform (104) to the vertical support (102)when connected to prevent the platform (104) from moving away from thevertical support (102). The fastener (114) of FIG. 2 is implemented as astrap having a hook-and-loop fastener. The strap is of sufficient lengthto encircle the vertical support (102), and the hook-and-loop fastenersecures the strap around the vertical support (102). The fastener (114)of FIG. 2 is mounted at one end to the underside of the platform (104)using a rivet, clamp, or any other mounting technique as will occur tothose of skill in the art. The other end of the fastener (114) wrapsaround the vertical support (102) and attaches to itself via thehook-and-loop fastener. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize,however, that the fastener (114) may be implemented in other ways suchas, for example, a clamp or a latch that mounts to the edge of theplatform (104) facing the vertical support (102) and extends around thebackside of the vertical support (102) to secure the platform (104) tothe vertical support (102). In still other embodiments, the fastener maybe implemented as a strap with a ratchet that is used to tighten andhold the strap in place around a vertical support.

One skilled in the art will note that with the addition of the fastener(114), the need for a hanging support (110) adjacent to the engagementregion (106) is minimized or eliminated. However, having additionalhanging supports may be useful to provide backup stabilization shouldthe fastener (114) fail because of the load on the platform (104).

FIG. 3 sets forth a drawing illustrating a perspective view of aportable table (200) affixed to a vertical support (202) and suspendedfrom an overhead structure (205) according to embodiments of the presentinvention. The overhead structure (205) of FIG. 3 is the lattice frameof a canopy (212) under which the portable table (200) is configured.Other overhead structures (205) as will occur to those of skill in theart may also be useful in accordance with embodiments of the presentinvention such as, for example, the frame of an overhead awning, arbor,overhead balcony, or other overhead frame.

The portable table (200) of FIG. 3 includes a platform (204) having anengagement region (206). The platform (204) of FIG. 3 is a panel thatprovides a substantially flat work or storage surface. The platform(204) of FIG. 3 may include one or more ridges for enhancing thestructural integrity of the platform (204). In addition to providingstructural integrity, the ridges that may be configured around the edgesof the platform (204) may also serve to retain items or loose liquidsthat may be placed or spilled on the top surface of the platform (204).

The engagement region (206) of FIG. 3 removeably connects the platform(204) with the vertical support (202) by providing an interface at theedge of the platform (204) against which the vertical support (202) mayrest. In the example of FIG. 3, the engagement region (206) removeablyconnects the platform (204) with a leg of a portable canopy (212). Whilethe engagement region (206) may be formed using any number of geometricconfigurations, the engagement region (206) of FIG. 3 includes auniversal slot for allowing the platform to connect with verticalsupports having a plurality of different shapes and a plurality ofdifferent sizes. Various shapes and sizes of the engagement region (106)are discussed in more detail with reference to FIGS. 10A-D.

The portable table (200) of FIG. 3 includes a fastener (reference 214 inFIGS. 4 and 5) for removeably securing the platform (104) to thevertical support (202) when connected. In this manner, the fastenerprevents the platform (104) from moving away from the vertical support(102) and provides both lateral and vertical stability for the platform(104). In the example of FIG. 3, the fastener (not shown) is mounted tothe underside of the platform (204) using a rivet (220), but othermounting technique as will occur to those of skill in the art may alsobe useful such as for example, clamps, or screws. Still further, thefastener may be attached to the platform (204) without mounting such asby passing the fastener through a slot in the platform (204).

The portable table (200) of FIG. 3 includes one or more hanging supports(210). Each hanging support (210) removeably connects the platform (204)to the overhead structure (205), which in the example of FIG. 3, is theframe of the portable canopy (212). In the example of FIG. 3, eachhanging support (210) is implemented as a strap. Each strap in FIG. 3has a plurality of holes. One end of the strap connects to the platform(204), while the second end of the strap has a hook that attaches to oneor more of the holes to form a loop that wraps around a portion of theoverhead structure (212). One skilled in the art will note that in someembodiments, each hanging support (210) may be implemented using aretractable strap to aid disassembly and storage of the portable table(200).

Although not shown in FIG. 3, the portable table (200) may include ahook, or other point of attachment as will occur to those of skill inthe art, under the platform (204). A weight may then be attachedunderneath the platform (204) to stabilize the portable table (200) andany structure to which it is attached from forces imposed by wind,animals or items colliding with the portable table or the structure towhich it is attached, or any other forces that one of ordinary skill inthe art would recognize could destabilize the portable table (200) orthe structure (212). The amount of the weight would vary depending onthe hazards in an environment surrounding the portable table (200).Generally, higher amounts of weight applied to the platform (204) resultin a more stable system. However, the weight cannot be so high that thestructural integrity of the portable table (200) and the structure (212)is compromised.

As mentioned above, the fastener of the portable table (200) isdescribed further with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG. 4 sets forth adrawing illustrating a left orthogonal view of the portable table (200)affixed to the vertical support (202) and suspended from an overheadstructure (212) according to embodiments of the present invention. FIG.4 illustrates the fastener (214) of the exemplary portable table (200)that removeably secures the platform (204) to the vertical support (202)when connected.

FIG. 5 sets forth a drawing illustrating a cutaway of Section A in FIG.4. In the example of FIG. 5, the fastener (214) is implemented as astrap having a hook-and-loop fastener. One end of the strap mounts tothe platform (204) via a rivet (220), but other mounting techniques maybe used as will occur to those of skill in the art. The strap is ofsufficient length to encircle the vertical support (202), and thehook-and-loop fastener secures the strap around the vertical support(202).

In other embodiments, the portable table (200) may utilize a fastenerimplemented as a latch having a first end and a second end. The firstend of the latch may be mounted to a vertical edge of the platform (204)adjacent to the vertical support (202) using a hinge or flexibleconnection. The second end of the latch may removeably connect to theplatform (204) along the vertical edge of the platform (204) adjacent tobut on the opposite side of the vertical support (202). The latch may beremoveably secured to the platform (204) by a variety of mechanisms aswill occur to those of skill in the art such as, for example, a pin. Insuch a configuration, the latch is configured to secure the verticalsupport (202) to the platform (204) when the second end is connected tothe platform (204). That is, the latch closes around the verticalsupport (202) to keep the platform (204) connected with the verticalsupport (202).

FIGS. 6A and 6B set forth drawings illustrating a front and back view,respectively of an exemplary mounting support (600) useful in portabletables suspended from a vertical support according to embodiments of thepresent invention. The mounting support (600) of FIGS. 6A and 6B isimplemented as a strap with a hook-and-loop fastener. The front side ofthe mounting support (600) depicted in FIG. 6A illustrates the fineloops (602) that are snagged by the small hooks (604) depicted in FIG.6B. The back side of the mounting support (600) also includes anadhesive (606) to initially hold the strap on the vertical support(102). As previously described, such an adhesive would typically beimplemented using a low-tack, reusable pressure sensitive adhesive (or“re-adherable adhesive”).

FIGS. 7 and 8 set forth drawings illustrating exemplary hanging supportsuseful in portable tables suspended from a vertical support according toembodiments of the present invention. The hanging support (700) of FIG.7 is implemented as a braided cord. One end (702) of the hanging support(700) is attached to the platform of a portable table according toembodiments of the present invention. The end (702) may be attached viaa rivet, screw, clamp, or some other mounting technique as will occur tothose of skill in the art. In other embodiment, the end (702) may passthrough a slot in the platform of a portable table according toembodiments of the present invention and then be configured in a knot ortied to a washer to prevent the hanging support from sliding backthrough the platform. Such examples are for explanation only and not forlimitation.

The hanging support (800) of FIG. 8 is implemented as a strap having aplurality of holes (801). The first end (802) of the hanging support(800) connects to the platform of a portable table according toembodiments of the present invention in the manner similar to thatdescribed above with reference to FIG. 7 or any other manner as willoccur to those of skill in the art. The second end (804) has a hook thatattaches to one or more of the holes to form a loop that wraps around aportion of a mounting support of a portable table according toembodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 9A and 9B set forth drawings illustrating a front and back view,respectively of an exemplary fastener (900) useful in portable tablessuspended from a vertical support according to embodiments of thepresent invention. The fastener (900) of FIGS. 9A and 9B is implementedas a strap with a hook-and-loop fastener. The front side of the fastener(900) depicted in FIG. 9A illustrates the fine loops (902) that aresnagged by the small hooks (904) depicted in FIG. 9B.

FIGS. 10A-D set forth drawings illustrating top orthogonal views ofexemplary engagement regions (1000) of platforms (1002) useful inportable tables according to embodiments of the present invention. Theengagement region (1000 a) of FIG. 10A is formed from platform (1002 a)and is configured by removing a large triangular region from the edge ofthe platform (1002 a) and removing two smaller triangular regions fromthe edges created by removing the first larger triangular region. Theengagement region (1000 b) of FIG. 10B is formed from platform (1002 b)and is configured by removing a large rectangular region from the edgeof the platform (1002 b), removing a smaller rectangular region from theedge created by removing the larger rectangular region, and removing aneven smaller rectangular region from the edge created by removing thesmaller rectangular region. The engagement region (1000 c) of FIG. 10Cis formed from platform (1002 c) and is configured by removing asemicircular region from the edge of the platform (1002 c). Theengagement region (1000 d) of FIG. 10D is formed from platform (1002 d)and is configured by removing a triangular region from the edge of theplatform (1002 d). One of skill in the art will recognize that theexemplary engagement regions (1000) of FIGS. 10A-D are for explanationonly and not for limitation. Engagement regions useful in portabletables according to embodiments of the present invention may beimplemented in a variety of shapes and sizes to allow such portabletables to be suspended from a variety of vertical supports.

FIGS. 11A-F set forth drawings illustrating top orthogonal views ofexemplary platforms (1100) useful in portable tables according toembodiments of the present invention. The platform (1100 a) of FIG. 11Ais substantially trapezoidal in shape. The platform (1100 b) of FIG. 11Bis substantially pentagonal in shape. The platform (1100 c) of FIG. 11Cis substantially trapezoidal in shape with rounded corners. The platform(1100 d) of FIG. 11D is substantially pentagonal in shape with roundedcorners. The platform (1100 e) of FIG. 11E is substantially circular inshape. The platform (1100 f) of FIG. 11F is substantially semi-circularin shape.

FIGS. 12A-D set forth drawings illustrating perspective views of aportable table (1200) according to embodiments of the present inventionas that portable table is installed and subsequently suspended from avertical support (1202). As shown in FIG. 12A, the mounting support(1204) is first configured around the vertical support (1202). Themounting support (1204) of FIGS. 12A-D is implemented as a strap thathas a loop-and-hook fastener. The mounting support (1204) of FIG. 12Awraps around the vertical support (1202) exposing the loops of theloop-and-hook fastener. The end of the mounting support (1204) of FIG.12A having the hooks and being wrapped around the vertical support(1202) then attaches to the loops exposed on the mounting support(1204). In the example of FIG. 12A, the mounting support (1204) includesa mounting attachment (1206) in the form of a loop.

FIG. 12B depicts a first hanging support (1210 a) connected to theplatform (1208) and the mounting support (1204). One end of the firsthanging support (1210 a) mounts to the platform (1208), while the otherend of the first hanging support (1210 a) passes through the mountingattachment (1206) and connects back to itself using a hook.

FIG. 12C depicts a second hanging support (1210 b) connected to theplatform (1208) and the mounting support (1204). One end of the secondhanging support (1210 b) mounts to the platform (1208), while the otherend of the second hanging support (1210 b) passes through the mountingattachment (1206) and connects back to itself using a hook.

FIG. 12D depicts a first hanging support (1210 c) connected to theplatform (1208) and the mounting support (1204). One end of the thirdhanging support (1210 c) mounts to the platform (1208), while the otherend of the third hanging support (1210 c) passes through the mountingattachment (1206) and connects back to itself using a hook.

In other embodiments, a portable table according to embodiments of thepresent invention may be affixed to a vertical support using one or morebraces. Such an exemplary portable table may include a platform havingone or more engagement regions. Each engagement region of the exemplarytable may removeably connect to the platform with the vertical support.The exemplary portable table may include a fastener for removeablysecuring the platform to the vertical support when connected. Further,the exemplary portable table may include one or more braces such thateach brace removeably connects the platform to the vertical support.These braces may be implemented as a rigid rods or telescoping supportsthat may be used to strengthen the structural integrity of the platformfor the portable table according to embodiments of the presentinvention. Each brace may be rotatably mounted to the side or theunderside of the platform. While one end of each brace is typicallymounted to a platform according to embodiments of the present invention,the other end of the brace may be removeably connected to the verticalsupport either above the platform or below.

While certain exemplary embodiments have been described in details andshown in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that suchembodiments are merely illustrative of and not devised without departingfrom the basic scope thereof, which is determined by the claims thatfollow.

1. A portable table suspended from a vertical support, the tablecomprising: a platform having an engagement region, the engagementregion removeably connecting the platform with the vertical support at afirst height; a mounting support removeably secured to the verticalsupport at a second height above the first height; a plurality ofhanging supports, each hanging support removeably connecting theplatform to the mounting support.
 2. The portable table of claim 1wherein at least one of the plurality of hanging supports connects tothe platform adjacent to the engagement region.
 3. The portable table ofclaim 1 wherein the plurality of hanging supports further comprise onlythree hanging supports, one of the three hanging supports connects tothe platform adjacent to the engagement region, and the other twohanging supports connect to the platform adjacent to corners of theplatform.
 4. The portable table of claim 1 wherein the mounting supportwraps around the entire circumference of the vertical support.
 5. Theportable table of claim 1 wherein the mounting support is a strap havinga hook-and-loop fastener.
 6. The portable table of claim 5 wherein aportion of the strap has an adhesive to initially hold the strap on thevertical support.
 7. The portable table of claim 1 wherein the mountingsupport further comprises a mounting attachment to which the pluralityof hanging supports connect.
 8. The portable table of claim 1 whereinthe engagement region further comprises a universal slot for allowingthe platform to connect with vertical supports having a plurality ofdifferent shapes.
 9. The portable table of claim 1 wherein theengagement region further comprises a universal slot for allowing theplatform to connect with vertical supports having a plurality ofdifferent sizes.
 10. The portable table of claim 1 wherein each hangingsupport further comprises a braided rope having a first end and a secondend, the first end connects to the platform, the second end having ahook that punctures the rope to form a loop, the loop connecting withthe mounting support.
 11. The portable table of claim 1 wherein eachhanging support further comprises a strap having a first end and asecond end, the first end connects to the platform, the second endhaving a fastener that connects to the strap to form a loop, the loopconnecting with the mounting support.
 12. The portable table of claim 1wherein the platform further comprises one or more ridges for enhancingthe structural integrity of the platform.
 13. The portable table ofclaim 1 further comprising a fastener for removeably securing theplatform to the vertical support when connected to prevent the platformfrom disengaging from the vertical support.
 14. The portable table ofclaim 13 wherein the fastener further comprises a strap having ahook-and-loop fastener, the strap of sufficient length to encircle thevertical support, the hook-and-loop fastener securing the strap aroundthe vertical support.
 15. The portable table of claim 1 wherein theplatform further comprises one or more hooks along an edge of theplatform.
 16. A portable table affixed to a vertical support andsuspended from an overhead structure, the table comprising: a platformhaving one or more engagement regions, each engagement region removeablyconnecting the platform with the vertical support; a fastener forremoveably securing the platform to the vertical support when connected;and one or more hanging supports, each hanging support removeablyconnecting the platform to the overhead structure.
 17. The portabletable of claim 16 wherein the platform has one engagement region, onefastener, and two hanging supports.
 18. The portable table of claim 16wherein: each engagement region removeably connects the platform with aleg of a portable canopy; and each hanging support removeably connectsthe platform to a frame of the portable canopy.
 19. The portable tableof claim 16 wherein the engagement region further comprises a universalslot for allowing the platform to connect with vertical supports havinga plurality of different sizes.
 20. The portable table of claim 16wherein the fastener further comprises a strap having a hook-and-loopfastener, the strap of sufficient length to encircle the verticalsupport, the hook-and-loop fastener securing the strap around thevertical support.
 21. The portable table of claim 16 wherein thefastener further comprises a latch having a first end and a second end,the first end mounted to the platform, the second end removeablyconnects to the platform, and the latch is configured to secure thevertical support to the platform when the second end is connected to theplatform.
 22. The portable table of claim 16 wherein each hangingsupport further comprises a strap having a first end and a second end,the strap having a plurality of holes, the first end connects to theplatform, the second end having a hook that attaches to one or more ofthe holes to form a loop that wraps around a portion of the overheadstructure.
 23. The portable table of claim 16 wherein each hangingsupport further comprises a retractable strap.
 24. The portable table ofclaim 16 wherein the platform further comprises one or more ridges forenhancing the structural integrity of the platform.
 25. The portabletable of claim 16 wherein the overhead structure is a loop that mountsto the vertical support at a location above the engagement regions. 26.A portable table affixed to a vertical support, the table comprising: aplatform having one or more engagement regions, each engagement regionremoveably connecting the platform with the vertical support; a fastenerfor removeably securing the platform to the vertical support whenconnected; and one or more braces, each brace removeably connecting theplatform to the vertical support.
 27. The portable table of claim 26wherein each brace is rotatably mounted to the platform.
 28. Theportable table of claim 26 wherein each brace is mounted to an undersideof the platform.
 29. The portable table of claim 26 wherein each braceis mounted to a side of the platform.
 30. The portable table of claim 26wherein each brace removeably connects to the vertical support above theplatform.
 31. The portable table of claim 26 wherein each braceremoveably connects to the vertical support below the platform.